One of the Montreal Canadiens' biggest off-season acquisitions will miss a majority of training camp with an undisclosed lower-body injury.
Head coach Dominique Ducharme confirmed Saturday that Mike Hoffman will miss up to four weeks with an injury suffered during the off-season.
Hoffman signed a three-year, $13.5-million contract as a free agent with the Canadiens but reported to camp injured. Earlier in the week Ducharme characterized Hoffman as "doubtful" to play in the season opener on Oct. 13 and Saturday's update seemingly confirms that will be the case.
The 31-year-old is expected to provide another scoring threat off the wing for the Canadiens this season. The five-time 25-goal scorer had 17 goals and 36 points in 52 games with the St. Louis Blues last season.
In other Canadiens news, Ducharme said Brendan Gallagher will skate for the first time in camp on Sunday. Gallagher was late reporting to camp for "family reasons."
The Canadiens open the pre-season schedule on the road against the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night. You can watch the game on Sportsnet ONE and SN Now beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
